Readers React: We must care for stray animals

Darla Norton brushes one of the more than 100 cats at the Humane Society of Marathon County.

These are God's living creatures and are here through no fault of their own. We need to have compassion. I agree there are probably ways for the Humane Society to save money and they need more donations, too. But don't punish the animals due to some management issues. Let's work together to fix this.

- Ellen Sue Janikowski

I volunteer at the Humane Society. Folks, they need help! The county should pay more as what it pays does not cover the taking in, caring for, neutering, putting down and disposal costs of the animals. Seven days is too short but indefinite stays are too long. There should be some middle ground. But once again we see Wausau trying to force its views on others!

- Jim Legner

The budget needs to be cut and tough choices must be made. That doesn't mean, however, that animals need to be euthanized or released to run free. The Humane Society is free to continue its current policies. The funding must come from other sources.

Here is a challenge. If stray cats and dogs tug on your heart strings, as they do mine, there are things you can do. License your dog. Volunteer at the Humane Society. Go there and adopt a pet. Donate to the Humane Society. They can use money, food, and old blankets and towels.

All my pets are rescue pets. They give an amazing amount of love for the right to live with you.

- Melanie Clark

One solution that would help a little is to raise the number of cats and dogs people are allowed to have in their homes. Another - and this one will cause weeping and gnashing of teeth - raise taxes to raise the amount funded to the shelter.

- Lanore J. Rusch

Nowhere did the City Council say the animals get put down after seven days. They are saying that the city is providing a service to house the animals for seven days so that the owner of the animal can be reunited with a lost pet in a reasonable amount of time. If the animals are staying longer, the Humane Society then needs to find alternative funding sources for the extended stay. This can come from a number of sources, including donations, adoption fees and fundraisers.

- Brian Jojade

Draft versions of Sunday editorials are posted online on Wednesday afternoon for feedback and reader reaction.